Cyclic time delay system for interrupting oscillation of a target-projecting device

ABSTRACT

A variably functioning interrupter mechanism applied to a claytarget-launching or like device. It provides a motorized cam and switch assembly which defines an attachment unit integrated to exert an overriding influence on the launching system controls. Adapted to a target-launching device, the cam may be constructed to effect switch operation in intervals of nonuniform frequency and duration to interrupt oscillation of a throwing arm support in a way to obviate reading or anticipating the angle of flight of a released target.

United States Patent l24/9 X 124/9 273/26 D UX m e m "Mn w 0 u. m m: "PB m m m" me ewm dm m mmw an, WFWFFS R 644356 355666 T 999999 W HHHHH n M 2520 mm 1 11 m 46249 B 822557 I Wm 368857 M 666827 1 nm 222333 PA 54 CYCLIC TIME DELAY SYSTEM FOR Ammeylerome Bloom INTERRUPTING OSCILLATION OF A TARGET- PROJECTING DEVICE 15 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

ABSTRACT: A variably functioning interrupter mechanism l L C U l. 2 5 .I.

applied to a clay-target-launching or like device. It provides a motorized cam and switch assembl tachment unit integrated to exert an the launching system controls. Ada

y which defines an at- F4lb 3/04 124/9, 8, 7,

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overriding influence on I 32, 36; 273/26 D pted to a target-launching References Cited device, the cam may be constructed to effect switch operation UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1933 Orcutt.....,...

in intervals of nonuniform frequency and duration to interrupt oscillation of a throwing arm support in a way to obviate read ing or anticipating the angle of flight of a released target.

PATENTED um12|9n 3612.025

SHEET 1 [1F 3 INVENTOR. WALTER L. RHODES 67W mm ATTORNEY sum 3 [IF 3 PATENTED mm 1 21911 INVIL'N'I'OR.

WALTER L. RHODES By 4/ ATTORNEY CYCLIC TIME DELAY SYSTEM FOR INTERRUPTING OSCILLATION OF A TARGET-PROJECTING DEVICE This invention relates to improvements in control systems for clay-target-launching or like devices, and more particularly to unique-interrupter means for imposing complexities in reading or anticipating the time sequence of operation in such a system.

Clay-target-launching devices have been produced in preferred forms in which automatically acting power-operated means cock a throwing arm and then initiate a prelaunch phase of operation in which a throwing arm target support oscillates. Released upon call, the throwing arm launches the target in the flight path variable in accordance with the angular position of the arm at the moment of release. In a normal use of such devices successive throws follow one after another. With a release of the target, the arm is immediately returned to a cocked position and the prelaunch phase initiated pending the next release call. The launching device is concealed on the theory that under such conditions it will be most unlikely that a caller can predict the line of flight of a released target. Nevertheless, in use of the conventional launching devices, even such a one as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,424, issued to H. C. Foster on Jan. 19, 1954, reading"of the action of the target-launching device hasproved to be not uncommon. It has become evident that constant observation leads to a recognizing of operational sequences involved. By timing his call to synchronize with recognized sequences and inherent predictable movements in a launching device, a trapshooter may gain an advantage of flight predictability which it is a purpose of the launching device to prevent. He can by selective calls get exclusively the target angles he desires and avoid more difficult angles. Despite prior efiorts to obviatethe gaining of such advantage, as by interposing a variable delay in the start of the prelaunch phase, heretofore the desired results have not been adequately achieved. Thus action readability remainsa problem in the use of prior automatic, power-operated target launchers.

The instant invention introduces a concept of inserting an overriding unpredictability into the operation of a targetlaunching device. It has been considered, in arriving at the invention, that since the throwing arm support is normally oscil-v lated at a certain fixed rate, the trapshooter has been able to time this oscillation relative to the preceding target which was thrown. In this way, and with developed skills, it has been possible to call for release of the target at exactly the point at which the arm support is in position to launch the target at a preferred angle. Accordingly, the present invention has in view interruption of oscillating movement of the throwing arm support, and, in accordance with a preferred manner of carrying out the invention, producing a prelaunch oscillating phase characterized by multiple interruptions which are nonuniform in frequency and duration. Under such conditions timing of the oscillations relative to a preceding target becomes meaningless since the oscillation is subject to unpredictable interruption. In carrying out the invention there has been provided, for use in an automatic target launcher or like devices, supplemental controls including a switch device connected in parallel to a portion of a launcher control system which when deenergized introduces the prelaunch phase of operation. A cam is incorporated to intermittently close and open such switch to produce a random varying interruption of the prelaunch operation. The cam is driven by a motor which is operated nonsynchronously with respect to oscillating cycles of the throwing arm support and may have lobes of varying individual length and circumferential spacing to produce the desired results.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an interrupter mechanism for general utility in control systems and particularly for use in clay-target-launching devices to obviate the problem of action readability.

Another object of the invention is to provide an interrupter mechanism of simple unitary character which can be applied as an accessory to existing target-launching and like devices.

A further object of the invention is to provide interrupter mechanism uniquely and readily incorporated in the control system of a target-launching or like device and forming a part of its control system.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an interrupter mechanism for clay-target-launching and like mechanism featuring use of a control cam construction in which cam lobes are formed of varying length and unequally spaced, the differential lengths and spacing being in nonuniform increments. Another object of the invention is to simply achieve means for preventing the reading of clay-target-launching devices.

An additional object of the invention is to provide clay-target-launching and like devices possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the means and mode of use herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation, partly broken away, of a target-launching device for embodying the improved interrupter mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detail top plan view of the throwing arm and controls therefor comprised in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail of actuating means comprised in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view of the interrupter control mechanism of the invention as assembled in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed relatively enlarged view of the cam shown in the H. C. Foster, U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,424, dated Jan.

19, 1954. For simplicity of disclosure, portions of the patented apparatus are here illustrated and described but only to the extent necessary to comprehend the significance and effect of the present invention. For details not shown and described herein reference is made to the disclosure in the identified Foster patent.

A launching device of the class described provides a relatively stationary base I which supports an electric motor 2 and a gear housing 3. A frame 4 mounts for a relative oscillatory motion on a projecting end of gear housing 3. Carried to oscillate with the frame 4 is a throwing arm support member 5. Shaft 6 rotatably mounted in support 5 has connected therewith a throwing arm 7. A lateral extension 8 of throwing arm 7 projectsto overlie the support member 5. The shaft 6 is rotatably driven by a shaft 9, to the lower end of which is fastened a crank 11. A coil spring 12 is suitably connected at one end to the crank 11 and at its other end to a remote portion of the frame 4. Shaft 9 is rotatable through the medium of drive means which include a gear 13.

Utilizing a construction such as shown in the aforementioned Foster patent, the motor 2 has a wormshaft 14 which extends into gear housing 3 and drives a worm gear 30. Through appropriate epicyclic transmission means, including a sun gear 15, planetary gears 16 and ring gear 17, the worm gear 30 is alternately connected to drive a gear 18 meshing with gear 13 or to drive a shaft 19 extending upwardly out of the gear housing. The latter, through an eccentric means 21 is connected to reciprocate a link 22 connected at its outer free end to a bracket 23 on the side of frame 4.

The selection of a driving connection to the gear 13 or to eccentric 21 is determined by the position of a pawl 24 fixed to shaft 25 rotatably mounted in the gear housing 3. One end of the shaft 25 extends from the gear housing and is suitably related to the armature of a solenoid 26 in such manner that energizing and deenergizing of the solenoid effects rocking motions of the shaft. The pawl 24 has longitudinally and circularly spaced arms 27 and 28. The former is engageable with peripheral ratchetlike teeth on a disc 29 fixed to ring gear 17. The latter am 28 is engageable with a circumferential series of peripheral teethlike abutments 31 on a disc 32. The disc 32 is fixed to gear 18 and also carries the planetary gears 16.

The pawl 24 is urged by a spring 33 to disengage arm 27 from the teeth of disc 29 and position arm 28 to be abutted by the peripheral teeth 31 on disc 32. With the parts so positioned, disc 32 is held from rotating and there is no drive to gear 13 and shaft 9. Ring gear 17 is free to rotate, however, and turns shaft 19 to deliver through eccentric 21 and link 22 an oscillatory motion to frame 5. In the alternate position of the parts, gear 17 is locked against movement while disc 32 is free to turn. The result is a rotary drive through gear 13 to shaft 9. The actions are alternating ones in which oscillation of frame 5 is either permitted or denied, depending upon the position of pawl 24, with the position of the latter being in turn a function of the energizing and deenergizing of solenoid 26.

Rotation of shaft 9 is utilized to turn the target-throwing arm 7 to a cocked position. In the process, spring 12 is tensioned and as crank 11 passes what may be considered a dead center position the spring endeavors forcefully to continue rotation of the shaft 9, exerting a sudden arcuate throwing motion of the arm 7. However, as the parts approach and pass through such dead center position, the arm extension 8 engages and is held by a latch member 34 pivotally connected to a lever 35 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Engagement of latch 34 by arm extension 8 moves the latch to a position of restraint against a blocking finger 36 urged by a spring 37 to remain in a blocking position. A solenoid 38 is positioned to have its armature, when energized, thrust against an arm 39 connected to arm 36. Upon energizing of solenoid 38, arms 39 and 36 are rocked in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 2) allowing latch 34 to be disabled by the thrust exerted by throwing arm extension 8. As a result the throwing arm is released and swings sharply and arcuately, under the influence of spring 12, to launch a target placed thereon. A control switch 41, the function of which is to provide a basic means to energize and deenergize solenoid 26, is settable to alternate positions of adjustment by movement of the lever 35. The latter is rocked in one direction by a movement of latch 34 imparted by arm 8 as it arrives in cocked position. Movement in the opposite direction, after unlatching of member 34 and release of arm 8, is a function of spring 37.

The above-described detailed structure of Foster is significantly enhanced by the interrupter mechanism of the present invention which provides a second means and overriding means controlling the energizing and deenergizing of solenoid 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the invention embodiment may have the character of a unitary accessory which can be suitably bolted or otherwise secured to the base 1, gear housing 3 or elsewhere in the target-launching device. A mounting bracket 42 is adapted to be installed in place to hold such structure. Fixed on one side of the bracket 42 is a rotary motor 43 the drive shaft of which extends through the bracket and has secured thereto a cam 44. A microswitch 45 fixed to the other side of bracket 42 has a control arm 46 for operating the switch plunger 47. The arm 46 mounts a roller 48 in a position to be successively engaged by spaced lobes 49 on cam 44 in a manner to deflect arm 46 and depress plunger 47. The switch 45 is normally open and closes for the intervals in which arm 46 is deflected to depress the plunger 47 by means of the lobes on the rotating cam 44.

In the preferred embodiment shown the cam lobes 49 are of varying length and/or shape, having regard to the direction of motion with which they pass over roller 48. Each lobe has a length different from the length of each other lobe. Moreover,

the differential is not progressive from lobe to lobe but there is rather a random difference. Thus, the dwell time of the roller 48 on each successive lobe 49 differs from the dwell time on preceding and succeeding lobes and in nonuniform increments. The lobes 49 are separated by peripheral concavities 51 similarily of differential length. They space the lobes apart irregular distances. The switch 45 accordingly is intermittently closed by cam 44 and is held closed thereby for successive short intervals of different, irregular duration, with the timing intervals between closing intervals similarly being nonuniform in character.

Referring to FIG. 6, the motor 2 is connected across main power leads 52 and 53 by a conductor 54 incorporating a main on-off switch 55. In an off position, as shown in FIG. 6, the switch 55 bridges leads 56 and 57 adapted further to be bridged by a normally open release switch 58.

In the operation of the target-throwing device, and in particular of the control system therefor in accordance with the invention, movement of switch 55 to an on position closes a circuit through motor 2 and sets in motion the epicyclic gear train in housing 3. At the same time, and since switch 41 is normally in a position to close a circuit therethrough, the solenoid 26 is energized. This places pawl 24 in a position to prevent rotation of ratchet disc 29 and associated parts leading to eccentric mechanism 21. At the same time, disc 32 is released for rotation and there is a consequent turning of gear 18, gear 13 and a rotary driving movement of throwing arm 7 to a cocked position. Arrival of the arm in this position is signaled by its engagement with latch member 34 and the movement of crank 1 1 beyond dead center, at which point the spring 12 is tensioned for influencing a throwing action of the arm 7. The latch 34 prevents such motion and the throwing arm is so held in cocked position, and a target may be placed thereon. Engagement of arm extension 8 with latch member 34 rocks lever 35 against the urging of spring 37. This motion is utilized, as diagrammatically suggested in FIG. 6, to lift switch 41 from what may be considered a first or normal control position with a consequent deenergizing of solenoid 26. This action releases pawl 24 to the control of spring 33 whereupon arm 27 thereof disengages from ratchet disc 29. The drive to eccentric mechanism 21 is accordingly enabled. At the same time, pawl arm 28 moves in position to stop rotation of disc 32 by contact with a tooth 31 thereon. As the tooth 31 reaches and engages pawl 28, the drive to the cocking apparatus is discontinued and the driving force contained in the epicyclic gearing mechanism is resolved in a manner to rotate shaft 19 and the eccentric mechanism 21. Link 22 is reciprocated and the frame 4, support 5 and throwing arm 7-8 begin to oscillate.

The switch 41, when lifted by lever 35, moves to a second control position in which it provides for a circuit across release leads 56 and 57 by way of branch leads 59 and 61, subject to the closing of release switch 58 since switch 55 is in the on position. Closing of the switch 58, effected manually upon the call of the trapshooter, accordingly closes a circuit to energize solenoid 38 inserted in line 61 between lead 53 and a terminal of switch 58. When energized, solenoid 38 thrusts upon arm 39 and rocks trigger arm 36 from a blocking position in back of latch 34. Ann segment 8 is released thereby and the throwing arm assembly actuated by the energy stored in spring 12 through a target-launching motion. The target is thrown from the arm, the angle of flight being in accordance with the angular position occupied by the oscillating frame at the moment of release. No longer held in a lifted position by arm 8, the latch member 34 moves under the urging of spring 37. Lever 35 shifts accordingly and switch 41 returns to its first control position, reenergizing solenoid 26. The target mechanism accordingly is reconditioned for another cycle of operation which begins immediately. As long as switch 55 remains in an on position, closing a circuit through motor lead 54, the operation of the target-throwing device is continuous, with cocking and oscillating cycles following one after the other and with selective release accomplished by depression of release switch 58. This is all subject, of course, to the influence of the invention mechanism.

The teeth 31 on disc 32 are spaced apart differentially. A measure of unpredictability is introduced into the operation of the device thereby since the start of the oscillating, or what may be termed the prelaunch phase of the device, is therefore delayed by whatever length of time is required for a tooth 31 to reach pawl arm 28 after deenergizing of solenoid 26. Alone this factor is not sufficient to prevent reading of the launching mechanism by an expert trapshooter. The improved interrupter mechanism hereof, however, insures against practiced reading of the oscillating cycle from target to target.

As shown in FIG. 6, the motor 43 is so connected by conductors 62 and 63 as to dispose in parallel with motor 2 and to start and stop simultaneously therewith upon closing and opening of main switch 55. A contact 64 of switch 45 is joined by a lead 65 to acontact oscillation located between solenoid 26 and switch 41. Switch arm 46, adapted to engage contact 64 under the thrust of cam 44, is connected to conductor 62 and thereby motor 43. The arrangement accordingly is one to form a parallel circuit through solenoid 26 which exists independently of switch 41 and which is intermittently opened and closed by cam 44 operating switch 45 through roller 48 and arm 46. In the operation of a control system having the instant interrupter mechanism incorporated therein, therefore, solenoid 26 is jointly controlled by switch 41 and by cam-controlled switch 45. When the target-throwing arm 7-8 arrives in cocked position, lever 35 rocks to move switch 41 out of its first control position and thereby deenergize solenoid 26. As described, the result is to initiate oscillation of the throwing arm support. However, since the solenoid 26 is connected through lead 65 and switch 45 across motor 43, a circuit is reclosed through the solenoid each time and for the interval of time a lobe on cam 44 moves switch arm 46 into engagement with contact 64. During the closing intervals, which have a varying frequency and duration, as heretofore described, the pawl 24 is restored to control of the energized solenoid to engage disc 29 and oscillation of frame 4 and support 5 stops. The stop intervals are of random and irregular frequency as well as being of differential duration. Therefore by the invention the prelaunch phase of operation, which is normally characterized by oscillatory movement of the target arm support, accordingly further is characterized by an intermittent and unpredictable starting and stopping of the oscillation. Ready timing of release calls in particular relation to preceding flight paths taken by a launched target to predict the coming flight path accordingly are ineffectual. There is no necessary or consistent relation between the flight path of successively thrown targets. In this connection, even though it be assumed that rotation of cam 44 bears some relation to the rotation of the disc 32, this relationship will vary in each cycle of operation, depending upon the amount of delay involved in a disc tooth 31 reaching pawl arm 28 at the time of cocking of the throwing arm.

The cam 44 may be variably constructed to achieve the random operational results desired. Effective unpredictability may be achieved, for example, by constructing the cam to vary either the frequency or duration of closing of switch 45, instead of both thereof.

Also, preferably the speed of operation of motor 43 is preselected to rotate cam 44 in a nonsynchronous relation to the normal oscillation of the throwing arm support. A further factor of unpredictability is thereby added, which may be used in conjunction with a special cam configuration such as here disclosed. With this in mind, in lieu of the preferred cam, while not as effective, a cam having regularly spaced and uniform lobes may be used. With the cam, however turning at a different speed than the throwing arm support oscillates, the timing of switch operation bears a continuously variable relation to throwing arm oscillation.

The invention therefore in spite of its extreme simplicity and economy achieves a uniquely effective means for preventing the reading of clay-target-launching and like devices to an extend heretofore unknown.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: I

1. For use in a clay-target-launching or like device'having means therein for producing an oscillating movement of a target-projecting device prior to launching and means for release of said target, an improvement comprising means for introducing a variation in the timing and duration of target oscillating movements of a target-projecting device prior to target launch including interrupting means for effecting automatic cycling of a series of random start-stop interruptions in oscillating movements of a target -projecting device so as to vary the time interval of oscillation movements.

2. The improvement set forth in claim 1 wherein said interrupting means has in connection therewith control means for operation thereof nonsynchronously with the operation of an oscillating means.

3. The improvement as in claim 1 characterized by said interrupting means including a cam having a form contoured to define thereon spaced control surface portions of difierent lengths and there being a control circuit including switch means selectively placed in an open or closed position by the operation of said cam to produce thereby spaced interruptions of the operation of a means for producing oscillating movements of the target-projecting device.

4. The improvement as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a circuit for energizing and deenergizing of a means for producing the oscillating movement of a target-projecting device, a cam and a switch means positioned in said circuit, said cam having a drive means in the form of a motor and said cam further having a cam surface presenting lobes of differential lengths and differential circumferential spacing, operating means in connection with said switch means for following said cam surface, the movement of said operating means being responsive to the movements of said cam as it rides on and .off said cam lobes to assume alternate control positions to selectively energize and deenergize said circuit.

5. The improvement as set forth in claim 4 characterized by said cam having a multiplicity of lobes each adjacent pair of which is spaced apart a distance different from the spacing between other adjacent pairs, with the spacing between adjacent pairs changing in nonuniform increments.

6. The improvement as set forth in claim 4 characterized by said cam having a multiplicity of lobes each havinga length with regard to the direction of travel different from the length of any other lobe, with the length of adjacent successively encountered lobes changing in nonuniform increments.

7. The improvement according to claim 6 characterized in that the spacing between said adjacent successively encountered lobes changes in nonuniform increments.

8. For use in a clay-target-launching or like device in combination with a throwing arm which in cocked position initiates a prelaunch phase, and an oscillating arm support is set in motion, with the means to be thrown by said arm being released at any point in the stroke of the oscillating arm support; an improvement comprising an interrupter mechanism including a motor and means operated by said motor continuously for subjecting the oscillating movement of an oscillating arm support to a series of cyclic overriding stop-start timed interruptions during a prelaunch phase of a target.

9. The improvement according to claim 8, wherein said motor operated means has a drive to vary the frequency of time delay, said frequency being nonsynchronous with reference to the frequency oscillation of said arm support.

10. The improvement according to claim 9, further comprising a moving element in said operated means, said element being movable in response to movement of said drive to effect stop intervals in the oscillation of said arm support during said prelaunch phase which are of nonuniform frequency and duration.

ll. The improvement according to claim 8, wherein said interrupter mechanism further comprising a second control circuit including a normally open switch closed on operation of said motor for intervals of nonuniform frequency and duration.

12. For use with a clay-target-launching or or like device, wherein a control system is activated by arrival of a throwing arm in cocked position to initiate a prelaunch phase in which an oscillatory arm support is set in motion; an improvement comprising an interrupter mechanism having a rotary motor operating at a predetermined speed, a cam rotatively driven by said motor, said cam having a cam surface presenting lobes of differential length and differential circumferential spacing,

a follower riding said cam surface a target launch control system, said interrupter mechanism including a means connected in said control system said means being movable as said follower rides on and off said cam lobes to energize and deenergize a target-launching control system.

13. The improvement according to claim 12, wherein said means connected in said target launch control system forms an alternately open and closed bypass in a portion of said control system, said means in said alternate control positions being respectively open and closed.

14. The improvement according to claim 12, characterized in that said cam provides a multiplicity of lobes each adjacent pair of which is spaced apart a distance different from the spacing between any other adjacent pair, with the spacing between adjacent pairs changing in nonuniform increments.

15. The improvement according to claim 12, characterized in that said cam provides a multiplicity of lobes each having a length with regard to the direction of travel of said follower thereover different from the length of any other lobe, with the length of adjacent successively encountered lobes changing in nonuniform increments.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,512 Dated Qctohg: 12 391] Inventor(s) Walter L. Rhodes It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 27, after "rotary driving movement of the following insertion should be made: shaft 9 The result is a turning of shaft 6 and a movement of Column 5 line 17, "oscillation" should be deleted and 66 substituted.

Signed and sealed this 2nd day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M-FLETCHER, JR.

ROBERT GO'I'TSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents Column 6, line 74, "overriding" should read over ride DRM PO-IOSO (10-693 USCOMM-DC GOBTQ-POQ 0,5, GDVIRNMCNT PR NTING OFFICE l 1969 D-Qil-lll 

1. For use in a clay-target-launching or like device having means therein for producing an oscillating movement of a targetprojecting device prior to launching and means for release of said target, an improvement comprising means for introducing a variation in the timing and duration of target oscillating movements of a target-projecting device prior to target launch including interrupting means for effecting automatic cycling of a series of random start-stop interruptions in oscillating movements of a target -projecting device so as to vary the time interval of oscillation movements.
 2. The improvement set forth in claim 1 wherein said interrupting means has in connection therewith control means for operation thereof nonsynchronously with the operation of an oscillating means.
 3. The improvement as in claim 1 characterized by said interrupting means including a cam having a form contoured to define thereon spaced control surface portions of different lengths and there being a control circuit including switch means selectively placed in an open or closed position by the operation of said cam to produce thereby spaced interruptions of the operation of a means for producing oscillating movements of the target-projecting device.
 4. The improvement as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a circuit for energizing and deenergizing of a means for producing the oscillating movement of a target-projecting device, a cam and a switch means positioned in said circuit, said cam having a drive means in the form of a motor and said cam further having a cam surface presenting lobes of differential lengths and differential circumferential spacing, operating means in connection with said switch means for following said cam surface, the movement of said operating means being responsive to the movements of said cam as it rides on and off said cam lobes to assume alternate control positions to selectively energize and deenergize said circuit.
 5. The improvement as set forth in claim 4 characterized by said cam having a multiplicity of lobes each adjacent pair of which is spaced apart a distance different from the spacing between other adjacent pairs, with the spacing between adjacent pairs changing in nonuniform increments.
 6. The improvement as set forth in claim 4 characterized by said cam having a multiplicity of lobes each having a length with regard to the direction of travel different from the length of any other lobe, with the length of adjacent successively encountered lobes changing in nonuniform increments.
 7. The improvement according to claim 6 characterized in that the spacing between said adjacent successively encountered lobes changes in nonuniform increments.
 8. For use in a clay-target-launching or like device in combination with a throwing arm which in cocked position initiates a prelaunch phase, and an oscillating arm support is set in motion, with the means to be thrown by said arm being released at any point in the stroke of the oscillating arm support; an improvement comprising an interrupter mechanism including a motor and means operated by said motor continuously for subjecting the oscillating movement of an oscillating arm support to a series of cyclic overriding stop-start timed interruptions during a prelaunch phase of a target.
 9. The improvement according to claim 8, wherein said motor operated means has a drive to vary the frequency of time delay, said frequency being nonsynchronous with reference to the frequency oscillation of said arm support.
 10. The improvement according to claim 9, further comprising a moving element in said operated means, said element being movable in response to movement of said drive to effect stop intervals in the oscillation of said arm support during said prelaunch phase which are of nonuniform frequency and duration.
 11. The improvement according to claim 8, wherein said interrupter mechanism further comprising a second control circuit including a normally open switch closed on operation of said motor for intervals of nonuniform frequency and duration.
 12. For use with a clay-target-launching or or like device, wherein a control system is activated by arrival of a throwing arm in cocked position to initiate a prelaunch phase in which an oscillatory arm support is set in motion; an improvement comprising an interrupter mechanism having a rotary motor operAting at a predetermined speed, a cam rotatively driven by said motor, said cam having a cam surface presenting lobes of differential length and differential circumferential spacing, a follower riding said cam surface a target launch control system, said interrupter mechanism including a means connected in said control system said means being movable as said follower rides on and off said cam lobes to energize and deenergize a target-launching control system.
 13. The improvement according to claim 12, wherein said means connected in said target launch control system forms an alternately open and closed bypass in a portion of said control system, said means in said alternate control positions being respectively open and closed.
 14. The improvement according to claim 12, characterized in that said cam provides a multiplicity of lobes each adjacent pair of which is spaced apart a distance different from the spacing between any other adjacent pair, with the spacing between adjacent pairs changing in nonuniform increments.
 15. The improvement according to claim 12, characterized in that said cam provides a multiplicity of lobes each having a length with regard to the direction of travel of said follower thereover different from the length of any other lobe, with the length of adjacent successively encountered lobes changing in nonuniform increments. 